In case you haven't heard about it yet, Borax is one of the most versatile cleaning products around. It's actually a naturally occurring powdery white mineral. It's safe, free from hazardous chemicals, and according to TOXNET’s Hazardous Substance Database (HSDB), borax is also non-carcinogenic. 20 Mule Team Borax has been marketing it as an all-purpose cleaner since 1881, and the longer it's around, the more uses we seem to find for it. Read on to see some of the unique & useful things you can do with this amazing stuff!
1. Unclog the drain:
First, pour 1/2 a cup of borax into the clogged drain, then add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice on top. let it sit for about 2 minutes then pour 1 quart of boiling water down the drain. Let it sit for another 15 minutes then simply rinse with regular tap water.
2. Get rid of mold:
Mold can be hazardous to your health and difficult to remove. Luckily, Borax is here to save the day! Mix 1/2 a cup of borax, 1/2 a cup of vinegar, and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. spray it on the mold areas, let it dry completely & you should have no trouble wiping away what's left.
3. Remove Rust:
Mix 1 cup of Borax, with 1 cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This will make a thick paste, put it directly on the rust and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and clean with a sponge and your rust should be gone!
4. Get rid of pests:
Borax effectively gets rid of cockroaches, ants, bugs, cave crickets mice and a few other household pests. All you need to do is mix equal parts of borax and sugar then sprinkle the mixture in the corners, under the sink, behind furniture or anywhere else you're having trouble with pests.
*The sugar acts as a bait to attract the pests. When the pests are drawn to the sugar, borax kills them. Careful not to use it in areas when children or pets can get to.
Bonus tip: To get rid of bed bugs, sprinkle a generous amount of borax on the mattress & let it sit about 15 minutes before vacuuming the borax & dead bed bugs off.
5. Clean a smelly humidifier:
To keep your humidifier free of any smells, dissolve 5-6 tablespoon of borax in 3-4 quarts of water and add it to the tank. Run the humidifier for 10-15 minutes and then empty the tank and rinse with clean water.
5. Clean a smelly humidifier:
To keep your humidifier free of any smells, dissolve 5-6 tablespoon of borax in 3-4 quarts of water and add it to the tank. Run the humidifier for 10-15 minutes and then empty the tank and rinse with clean water.
**BONUS** Want to make your home smell amazing? Check out this post to do just that! 6 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Like a Winter Wonderland
6. To clean combs/brushes
Fill a cup with water, add 2 tablespoons of Borax, and a few drops of dish soap. Put the brushes and combs in and mix them around a bit. Let sit for 30-45 minutes then rinse.
7. Carpet stains
Mix 4 tablespoons of Borax with 1 cup of warm water. Dip a sponge or rag into the mixture and dab the carpet stain. Let it dry completely then vacuum.
8. Deodorize shoes
Mix one liter of warm water and 2 tablespoons of borax in a spray bottle. spray all over shoes, including inside, let sit for 15-20 minutes then wipe any excess borax clean with water.
9. Remove adhesive residue
Use 2 parts borax to one part water to remove stubborn sticker and other adhesive residues.
10. Deodorize your mattress
Lightly wet your mattress then use a damp rag to rub Borax all over it, allow it to dry & your mattress will be nice & refreshed!
11. Freshen your garbage pail
For average garbage pail odors, sprinkle 4-5 tablespoons of Borax in your pail and add water. Let it soak about 15-20 minutes then rinse. For stronger, more stubborn odors you can use up to a cup of Borax.
12. Laundry Boost
Add 4-5 tablespoons to your laundry after putting in your regular detergent for brighter cleaner clothes!
13. To pre-treat stains
For stubborn stains fill a container with warm water and add 7-8 tablespoons of Borax. Let the stained clothes soak for at least 30-40 minutes then wash regularly.
14. Dry & preserve flowers
Mix 1 part Borax with 2 parts cornmeal in an airtight container. cover your flower with the mixture, making sure you get in between the petals. seal the container and leave for 10-14 days.
15. Homemade dish soap
Mix 1/2 a cup of Borax, 1/2 a cup of finely grated soap, and 10 cups of boiling water. Cool completely before using.
That's all I have, for now, I hope you found this list useful. If you have any other things you use Borax for in your home, leave them in the comments!
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